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Matthew 15

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala,

What does Matthew 15:33 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:33 is a verse situated in the story of Jesus Christ feeding the multitude with loaves of bread and fishes. The disciples express concern to Jesus about the logistical impossibility of providing enough food for a large crowd in a remote location.

This verse highlights the disciples' doubt and lack of understanding of Jesus' power to provide. The deeper meaning often interpreted from this verse implies themes of faith, divine providence, and the miracle that is about to take place.

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Historical Context

This passage is part of the New Testament, found in the Gospel according to Matthew, which is believed to have been written around the first century AD. During this period, many Jews were anticipating a Messiah who would deliver them from Roman rule.

However, Jesus' ministry often challenged existing expectations, emphasizing spiritual salvation over political liberation, and performing miracles to demonstrate his divine authority.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is seen as a test of faith for the disciples.

It also foreshadows the Eucharistic theme of bread as sustenance provided by Jesus.

There is also an eschatological aspect to the feeding miracles, pointing to the abundance of God's kingdom.

Different Christian denominations may focus on various aspects of this miracle. Catholic theology may emphasize the Eucharistic symbolism, while Protestant interpretations might highlight the demonstration of faith in God's providence.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can inspire individuals to trust in the provision of God even in seemingly impossible situations. It encourages believers to look beyond the physical limitations and to depend on God's omnipotence.

Cross-References

Matthew 14:15-21 - describes the feeding of the five thousand, a similar miracle where Jesus multiplies loaves and fish.
Mark 8:4 - Mark's account of the disciples questioning Jesus about feeding the multitude.
John 6:5-13 - John's version of the miracle of feeding the five thousand.
Psalm 78:19-20 - speaks about the doubt of God's people and God's provision.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key words are δισκόποι (disciples), which means "learners" or "followers", ἐρημία (wilderness), reflecting a desolate or uninhabited area, and ἄρτους (bread), which symbolizes basic sustenance.

The phrase "so much bread" reflects the disciples' focus on the quantity needed, reflecting their skepticism.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparison can be made with ancient religious myths that feature divine provision, such as the Greek myth of Baucis and Philemon, where the gods provide food that replenishes endlessly.

In Judaism, there is the miracle of manna from heaven which sustained the Israelites in the desert, pointing towards God's provision.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the multiplication of food as described would be deemed impossible as it contravenes the law of conservation of mass.

However, miracles, by definition, are not bound by natural laws and this event is taken on faith by believers as a supernatural occurrence.

Commentaries

Biblical experts often interpret this verse as illustrating the human frailty of the disciples' faith.

Commentators like Matthew Henry point out the forgetfulness of the disciples, since they had already witnessed similar miracles.

William Barclay notes the importance of this event in revealing Jesus' compassion and power.

Others may focus on the disciples as representatives of humanity's doubt and the need for faith in the providence of God.

Matthew 15

Matthew 15

What does Matthew 15:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 15:33 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?